So I'm just about ready to legally change my name after getting married last month. I know you need a few copies of either your "marriage license" or your "marriage certificate" for bringing to the Social Security office and the DMV and possibly some other places ... what is the difference between these two things if any and where/how do I get them? I'm so lost because all the websites seem to say different things. Is it worth using one of those name change services that is sometimes advertised on theknot and other wedding sites?
Re: Certified copies of your marriage license/certificate in Cuyahoga County
Directly from the Cuy. County's web site FAQ regarding copies:
Where Can I Obtain a Certified Copy of My Marriage License?
To obtain a certified copy of your Marriage License the court needs to know the first and last names of the Groom, the first and Maiden (or name prior to marriage) names of the Bride, and the date of marriage. (If the exact date is not known, give an approximate year.) The cost of a certified copy is $1.00 for a short form or $2.00 for a long form, both qualify as certified copies. You may either come to the marriage department in person with cash, or send a request through the mail accompanied by a money order or check for the number of copies. Be sure to include the address where you would like the copy to be mailed. Click here for the court address and Marriage Department Location.
And, no, it's not worth spending $$ on a name change 'kit' for something so simple that you can do for FREE by yourself. Once you change your name with the Social Security Admin. (various offices -- choose one close to you) and the BMV, take your time contacting your banks, insurance companies, etc. Each company/organization will have their own way of handling a name change. There's no single 'magic' form that changes your name everywhere. IIRC, it was all very easy to do. The most annoying for me at least -- were the frequent flyer mileage clubs and PayPal. The rest were cake. Make a list of every organization/company you can think of that you regularly deal with. Do a few a day and check 'em off the list as you go. It's really not that hard, and there's no certain time limit when it all has to happen.
jacqui + erik 7.10.10
**Planning Bio**
Good luck!
Trust me, I felt just as you did when I started the process and couldn't believe how easy it actually was. If you have specific questions on what you need to bring (because let's face it, the websites are confusing and seem to all say different things!), call the offices directly. The people there are more than willing to help and they've been through this a million times. I would call them before worrying about getting anything from the courthouse -- that's such a hassle and wasn't even necessary for me!
HTH!